PPG view on Revelations.

The book of Revelation has long been a subject of great interest to countless biblical interpreters as it is the only book of the New Testament to be classified as ‘apocalypse’. This end-times narrative is seen through the eyes of an exiled John, the disciple of Jesus and the views represented by Pentecostalism – particular of the Primitive form – have been shaped mainly by pre-millennialism – the interpretation that Jesus will return prior to the commencement of the millennium. This perspective is rooted in the text of the book of Revelation, with specific attention given to the significant signs, symbols, characters and events described in the text. 

In understanding Primitive Pentecostals views of the book of Revelation, it is significant to view the text from a literalistic approach as opposed to a more spiritualisticview which suggests the possibility of symbolic interpretations and figurative language rather than a literal reading. Primitive Pentecostals interpret the book of Revelation as historical narrative, referring to actual events that will occur in succession, right before the glorious Second Coming of the Lord. At the centre of the narrative is the battle of Armageddon, occurring when the armies of the Antichrist will face off against the armies of God’s chosen. This is seen as one of the signs of the Second Coming, and the gathering of the nations is believed to take place in the Valley of Jehoshaphat – a place mentioned several times in the Bible.

Other events seen as signs of the Second Coming include the appearance of the Beast and the False Prophet, and the handing down of the Mark of the Beast. Furthermore, there is the destruction of Babylon and the destruction of two-thirds of the world’s population, as described in certain passages in the text. Primitive Pentecostals also place a great emphasis on the Rapture, or the moment when the dead in Christ will ascend to Heaven while those who remain live will live in a cursed world. 

The study of the book of Revelation is an ongoing process, with many interpretations and views that are bound to refresh and refresh. However, when it comes to the Primitive Pentecostal view of the book of Revelation, one thing is certain – the beliefs, as outlined above, remain obedient to the literalism of the scriptures and adhere to the promises of the Second Coming and all its accompanying signs and events, a presage of the eternal kingdom.